When the second leg of the ASEAN Grand Prix goes into full swing, Eya Laure might have to carry some of the playmaking responsibility for the Nationals.
With Alohi Robins-Hardy currently ruled out due to eligibility concerns, the setting job for Philippines falls on the shoulders of Jia Morado and freshly-minted flagbearer Jasmine Nabor.
However, Morado — along with fellow Premier Volleyball League stars — will set out for Iloilo on Saturday for her club team, Creamline Cool Smashers. This then leaves the door open for Laure, a former UAAP Girls’ Volleyball Best Setter, to weave some of her old magic.
While the task seems daunting, Laure is willing to fulfill whatever role she has to, as long as she’s representing the flag and country.
“Ako naman, parang sa UST lang. Kahit anong ibigay sa aking posisyon ready ako,” declared the lone student-athlete in the national team.
“Kung anong role ang ibigay sa akin, go lang ng go.”
Besides possibly orchestrating the offense for the national team, Laure also has to brace herself for an eventful day on October 6.
In the rubber match of the PVL Collegiate Conference semifinals, the UAAP Season 81 Rookie of the Year will suit up for the UST Golden Tigresses at 9:00 a.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Right after a heavy-duty battle, Laure will travel to Sta. Rosa, Laguna in order to don the tri-colors of the country in the all-important match against Indonesia at 5:00 p.m.
It’s an exhausting schedule that entails her performing double duty. Still, Laure is prepared to go through the wringer for the sake of both her school and country.
“Lagari na lang din kasi siyempre, dalawa eh. Hindi mo naman kasi pwedeng bitawan basta-basta yung dalawa eh,” Laure said. “Kumbaga si Coach [Kungfu Reyes] rin yung makakapagsabi.
“Ako naman, ready lang ulit. Ire-ready ko lang ulit ang katawan ko.”
